TWO legal firms with a centuries-long pedigree in advising entrepreneurs and owner-managed businesses are merging to target larger companies in the Selby and wider York area market.

Elmhirst, which has an office in Finkle Street, Selby, and at The Cross in Sherburn, is linking arms with Parker March, which has its practice in The Abbey Yard, Selby and an office in Low Street, Sherburn-in-Elmet.

Both organisations are 200 years old, and have a combined client list of about 750 commercial clients. Under its new name of Elmhirst Parker, the merged firm creates a 25-strong legal team including seven partners. There will be no job losses.

The Sherburn practice will operate from The Abbey Yard, but premises in Selby big enough to take the combined staff are still being sought.

John Cox, formerly of Elmhirst, and Pierre Bouvet, of Parker March, now become joint senior partners of Elmhirst Parker.

Both specialise in commercial law and have strong experience in high net wealth management.

They believe there are growing opportunities to bring together expertise in advising corporate deals and business contracts, and offering private client services for company directors and investors involved in transactions. Mr Cox said: “Private client services complements business deal-making, not least because there’s often personal money at stake. But directors can find they are frustrated in having to appoint a second firm of legal advisers.

“We believe there is more scope to provide dual benefits of legal advice to company directors on the deal structure and their personal financial planning.”

Mr Bouvet said: “We have a long-standing knowledge of the area and its business culture and are committed to high-quality legal expertise combined with value.

“This is familiar to established clients, and we hope will be refreshing to those companies and individuals that don’t yet know us.”

The other five partners and their areas of specialist law are: Sarah Maxton (head of family), Simon Rounding (private client), Keith Haggerty (criminal), Andrew Nichols (commercial property) and Martin Legg (leisure and entertainment retail licensing).

The firm is also a member of LawNet, the national group of mid-sized law firms which provides access to wider legal expertise.